How to Write a Paper: Five Steps to Writing a Theological or Literary Research Paper

by Andrew David Naselli

Andy Naselli gives advice about how to write a paper. He breaks down the paper-writing process into five steps:

Understand the assignment. Know where you are trying to go before you start the journey.
Plan ahead. Prepare far in advance so that you complete your research paper well before the deadline.
Choose your approach. Prove a thesis (deductive), or explore a problem (inductive).
Research and write. Draft the paper.
Revise. Polish the cannonball.
Step 4 is the big one, so most of the book explains the research-and-write stage. It has six interconnected components:

Research. Systematically investigate the evidence to establish facts and conclusions.
Organize the paper. Build a skeleton you can put flesh on.
Develop a coherent argument. Sharpen your reasoning.
Interact with contrary views. Present and respond to the strongest opposing arguments.
Write clearly and concisely. Omit needless words.
Use proper grammar, syntax, and format. Remove distractions by mastering the mechanics.
Appendices address plagiarism, artificial intelligence, grading, and productivity.

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2026

About the author

Andrew David Naselli (PhD, Bob Jones University; PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is associate professor of New Testament and theology at Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota and an elder of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Reviews

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew David Naselli has gifted the academy with a priceless treasure. His most re-
cent book, How to Write a Paper: Five Steps to Writing a Theological or Literary Re-
search Paper, is a short and readable manual that will benefit students, authors, and
pastors - no matter where they stand in their respective careers. Beginning readers
will receive a wealth of information that is tragically missing in many colleges and
seminaries. Experienced writers will also benefit from Dr. Naselli’s wisdom and instruc-
tion.

Highly recommended!

[Gloria Naselli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really well done. I liked how short, concise and snappy it was. Dad helped explain the process to writing a paper (understand the assignment, plan ahead, choose your approach, research and write, and revise). He also explained a bunch of common grammatical errors that I totally make. I never knew the difference between "which" and "that" and when to use them. His example sentences also cracked me up: "That book belongs to my firstborn child, who loves to read Shakespeare." (Which is true.)
Definitely worth a read.